The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1887-01-07
SOME STORIES ABOUT DOGS.
Why Some People Believe in Canine
Reason.
Especial CorreSpoudence.1

toCctAA SOTtc~youh1Hcc.1
NEW York, Jan. ADO you believe that
dogs are possessed of reasoning powers have
a friend who does, and he is always telling me
stories of their intelligence to prove that he is
right. Here are two he related to me yester-
day. The first one sounds like an echo of
some earlier told tale, but the other has never
before been given out. at least in my hearing:
Some years ago. Mr.. Ravenel. wealthy
resident of Charleston, s. c., lived on the
Battery, directly opposite the sea wall. One
day his little daughter was playing upon this
sea wall, which is used extensively as prom
enade She was accompanied by large New
foundland dog, the property of her father
In some manner the child got outside of the
railing and fell into the water. The dog fol-
lowed without moments hesitation and sue
ceeded in supporting her until they were
rescued. Mr.. Ravenel naturally felt anxious
to show the faithful brute that his services
had been appreciated, but could think of no
way in which to reward him except by order
ing that the choicest cuts to be had at the
butchers should be prepared for Bruno every
day. The Newfoundland enjoyed this hugely,
but after time, through the neglect OF the
servants the dogs food was served up TO him
in the same manner as before his noble rescue
of his little mistress.
This troubled him sorely, but not being pos
sessed of the power of speech, he could not,
of course, complain to his master. A month
or two later, however, Bruno's opportunity
came. The little girl, unmindful of her past
experience at the same place, clambered out
side the railing. Quick as a flash the dog
rushed up to her, pushed her into the water
and jumped in after her. When they were
pulled out of the water Bruno walked to bis
master, licked his hand and looking up into
his face wagged his tail in pompous man.
ner, as if to say: "You see what valuable
dog am. deserve good food" 1t is need
less to say he got it during the rest of his
life.
Buffers Island was, before the war, one of
the most extensive rice plantations in the
south. Pierce Butler, the owner, who mar
ried the celebrated actress, Fanny Kemble,
was very fond of hunting, and always kept a
fine kennel of settlers and pointers. A friend,
who called to see Butler one day, was told
by the servant that Mr.. Butler was out but
was expected home at any moment. The
visitor, therefore, concluded to await Buffers
return, and walking into the reception
room, found several fine dogs stretched
out upon the carpet. He soon made
friends with the intelligent brutes,
and everything was going on pleasantly,
when at the sound of approaching footsteps
the dogs fed precipitately, some rushing out
Of the door, while the others jumped out of
the open window. When Butler entered his
guest related the circumstance Of the sudden
departure of the CANNES Butler said, to his
guests amazement, the dogs had noticed that
the visitor had brought some mud in on his
boots, and, knowing that they would be
blamed for soiling the carpet and whipped, |
had concluded not to stand upon tho order Of /
heir going, and accordingly went at once
49, -- w. g.